Best Lake Boat Brands for Fishing, Cruising, and Watersports

Inland waters offer some of the most interesting and accessible boating destinations, and lakes and reservoirs typically teem with boats in the boating season. Whether it’s watersports, family days out, fishing, or weekend cruising, there are many different types of lake boats for the job. The market for both new and used lake boats is huge and varied, with brands offering everything from inexpensive pocket skiffs to excellent family boats and luxury weekend cruisers. When it comes to choosing the best lake boat brands, your choice will depend on many of the same factors as for other boating venues—what is your purpose in owning a boat, how many people will you take with you, where do you want to use it, and what is your budget? In this article we’ll take a look at some of our favorite brands in specific categories, but let’s keep in mind that there are likely to be many brands to explore once you have defined the general parameters for your search. 

Lake boats offer fun for all the family, from fishing and watersports to weekend cruising. Sea Ray photo.

The Best Lake Pontoon Boat Brands

Pontoon boats are one of the first boats we think about when talking about lake boats, particularly for small and medium-sized bodies of water that are more protected and less likely to provide rough water conditions. These fun, spacious, affordable float boats, which range from 15 feet to over 30 feet in length, have been a feature on inland waters for decades, and their popularity shows no sign of waning. Pontoon boats have actually enjoyed a facelift in recent years, with fun-in-the-sun accessories and features such as lounge areas, BBQs, wet bars, even waterslides. There are many excellent pontoon brands to choose from spanning all budgets, sizes, and levels of luxury including;

Bennington

One of the most luxurious pontoon brands on the market, Bennington offers a range of high-performance pontoon boats that would have James Bond grinning from ear to ear. Their highly customizable flagship Q Series is sleek, elegant, and ultra-fast thanks to dual outboard engines. Bennington boats for sale

Princecraft

Known for their compact fishing and deck boats, Princecraft puts their fishing expertise into an impressive range of pontoon boats. In particular, the Sportfisher LX range combines luxury and fishability into one neat package that will suit families as much as keen anglers. They’re also making waves with their Brio Electric Series, which is industry-leading. Princecraft boats for sale

Sylvan

When it comes to bang-for-your-buck, Sylvan offers an impressive list of features and accessories without the price tag of some other brands. Expect seating areas that convert to bars, underwater lighting, and Bluetooth stereo systems in their high performance G Series, while the Mirage Cruise range is designed for affordable family fun. Sylvan boats for sale

Princecraft Sportfisher LX Series Pontoon Boat. Princecraft photo.

The Best Lake Fishing Boat Brands

Lake fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in the United States, and the freshwater fishing boat market is highly competitive. From Jon boats (more on those later), to skiffs, bass boats, center consoles, and more, there are nearly an unlimited number of styles and configurations of fishing boat. What they have in common is their angling accessories, including livewells, trolling motors, rod holders, and swivel seats. Lake fishing boats need to be sturdy and practical, and depending on the lake conditions and fishing grounds, they may have flatter bottoms with less deadrise for navigating skinny waters safely. Choosing the best fishing boat brand for your lake should include careful research into the type of fishing and the water conditions there, but to get you started, here are some brands that commonly rise to the top:

Tracker Boats

Jon boats (more below) make excellent fishing boats on shallow and protected lakes thanks to their flat bottoms. Tracker’s Grizzly series of tough aluminum Jon boats (which ranges from 16 to 20 feet) allows for customization whether fishing, hunting, or both. Rugged and practical, these come as all Tracker Boats with one of the industry’s best warranties. Tracker boats for sale

Lund

No list of lake fishing boats is complete without Lund’s enormous line-up of aluminum fishing boats. From the tournament-level Pro-V Bass XS bass fishing boat, to the Fisherman range of open cockpit, full windshield fishing boats, there is an enormous choice backed with years of experience. Lund boats for sale

Ranger Boats

Another brand that needs little introduction is Ranger and its range of sturdy, compact, high-powered fishing boats. Everything Ranger builds is done with fishing in mind, from the pro-level Z Comanche series of fiberglass bass boats and the RT Series of aluminum bass boats, to the highly capable Fisherman Series of deep-V boats, and many more. Ranger boats for sale

Lund 2070 Predator. Lund photo.

The Best Lake Ski and Wake Boat Brands

The ski and wake boat market is nothing if not niche as these mean machines are designed for very specific purposes. While it’s possible to ski or wakeboard from many sports and motorboats, and you’ll also find crossovers such as fish and ski boats, those wanting to enjoy serious watersports will turn to the most dedicated brands:

Malibu

When it comes to serious wakesurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing, consider starting with Malibu and their huge range of high-performance, ultra-cool watersports models. Their Wakesetter range pushes the limits of innovation, especially with Malibu’s largest model, the 26LSV, while the M-Series combines luxury with a compact and highly capable wake boat. Malibu boats for sale

Chaparral

The brand’s Surf range of 21- to 30- foot wakesurfing boats certainly mean business, equipped with their new Forward Drive Volvo Penta propulsion system. It delivers impressive results, not just for the wakesurfer, but for those onboard. The Surf range offers endless fun in a seriously cool package. Chaparral boats for sale

Mastercraft

The much-loved ProStar range from Mastercraft delivers excellent waterskiing capabilities, and their innovative engineering has produced beautifully flat wakes. The boats themselves are high end, with luxurious seating areas (including bow seating), and lots of features. Mastercraft boats for sale

Malibu M220 Wake Boat. Malibu photo.

The Best Cabin Boats for Lakes

When you want more than a day cruiser, sportsboat, or fishing boat can offer, cabin boats poit the way to overnight adventures in the same way a motorhome or campervan offers more of a home-away-from-home than a car. The addition of a cabin means more time spent on the water, with the ability to cook, entertain friends, spend more time aboard, and ultimately travel further. Cabin boats come in all guises, from a simple no-frills cuddy cabin, to a high-end cruiser with all your at-home comforts. There are many to consider:

Regal Boats

With decades of boatbuilding, Regal Boats is a top name in this category, both in salt and freshwater. Their Express Cruiser lineup in particular is well-suited to larger lakes and inland waters, thanks to its range of sizes 24’ to 36’ and surprisingly spacious interiors. The smaller of these models can be trailered on U.S. highways, making these versatile weekend family cruisers. Regal boats for sale

Bayliner

This popular brand’s Cuddy Series offers daytime fun and overnight adventures thanks to a simple but functional cabin. While you won’t find amenities such as galleys on these compact models, they are fun, versatile, affordable family boats. Bayliner has a huge line-up of models from pocket deck boats to small center consoles and bowriders, all of which are ideal for lake waters. Bayliner boats for sale

Crownline

Crownline’s Cruiser series of cabin boats offers a step up to a versatile boat for family cruising, with larger interiors and a fully fitted galley, dinette, and head. The Cruiser range from 27 to 31 feet is a great example of the quintessential cabin cruiser; sleek, fun, and full of home comforts. Crownline boats for sale

Regal 28 Express. Regal Boats photo.

The Best Center Console Lake Boats

The classic center console is one of the most popular styles of lake boats there is, these medium-sized, trailerable boats ideal for cruising and fishing. They are well-known for being easy to maneuver, safe, and they accommodate lots of storage space too – especially useful when fishing (as is the 360 degree walkaround deck space). Center console lake boats can fulfil many roles and therefore brands are wide-ranging. Some of our favorites include;

Xpress

This top fishing brand offers several models of center console aluminum boats, namely the Bay and Skiff ranges, as well as a bass boat range. Robust, trailerable, and cleverly adapted to serious angling, these models offer an affordable and versatile boat for the lakes. The center console set-up provides ample space for 360 degree fishing, while their aluminum build makes them strong and low maintenance. Xpress boats for sale

Axopar

Known for its larger (up to 45-foot) center console boats with stepped hulls despite barely 10 years in business, Axopar launched the 22 series in 2022 to great acclaim. Earning several prestigious awards, the model can be purchased in T-Top and Spyder versions, either of which make successful family lake boats—stable, safe, fun and offering a fast ride. Axopar boats for sale

Carolina Skiff

Carolina Skiff’s flagship model series, the LS, offers a capable center console well-suited to lakes and inland waters. With models available between 17 and 25 feet they’re well equipped for fishing expeditions and family days out, and offer a smooth, dry, and comfortable ride. If you’re after a simpler, more affordable boat, take a look at the company’s E-Series. Carolina Skiff boats for sale

Axopar 22 Spyder. Axopar photo. 

The Best Bowrider Lake Boat Brands

The iconic bowrider is one of the most popular boat types across the lakes and inland waters of the United States every year. Characterized by the additional seating in the bow, they vary widely in size, price, and onboard accessories. The bowrider market is highly competitive, with countless brands producing bowriders that suit families, watersports enthusiasts, and even anglers: 

Chris-Craft

The Launch Series offers bowrider luxury from this iconic, high-end brand (in business more than 100 years). Available between 25 and 35 feet, they are elegant day cruisers with a wide beam, luxury accessories, and and both inboard and outboard options. Suited to larger lakes, they can handle choppy seas and offer a comfortable passenger experience. Chris-Craft boats for sale

Cobalt

This brand name is synonymous with high-quality bowriders with an edginess to its styling and angular, even futuristic good looks, high-performance, and great handling. With models from 23 to 35 feet, all three Cobalt ranges—Sterndrive, Surf, and Outboard—are ideal bowrider runabouts for lakes, able to accommodate large families and groups of friends for watersports, swimming, picnics, and days out. Cobalt boats for sale

Sea Ray

Sea Ray is an iconic brand that today focuses on models that all feature bowrider seating. Take note especially of their smaller bowriders (19 to 24 feet), which are ideal for lakes, especially the SDX and SPX series. Sea Ray offers inboard and outboard models and those primed for watersports, entertaining, or exploration. On the used market, you’ll find a wider variety of Sea Ray models over the years, many of which are appropriate for lake boating. Sea Ray boats for sale

Chris-Craft Launch 25 GT. Chris-Craft photo.